Jump to content

Tier 5 (Temporary worker - charity workers)

Image showing a voluntary worker.

Certificate of sponsorship

This page explains the points we award for sponsorship under the charity worker category (Tier 5 Temporary Worker) of the points-based system to work in the UK.

Full details of all requirements are in the immigration rules at paragraphs 245ZM to 245ZR of part 6 which you can find on the right of this page. You must read the policy guidance before you apply under this category. You can download the guidance and application form from the Applying section.

The points awarded for sponsorship

You will score 30 points for your certificate of sponsorship.

back to top

Charity worker certificates of sponsorship

Your sponsor must guarantee that:

  • you will work directly and voluntarily for the charity;
  • you will not be paid or receive other payment for work unless they are reasonable expenses .  For information on reasonable expenses, see section 44 of the National Minimum Wage Act which you can find on the right side of this page;  and
  • you will not take a permanent position; and
  • you follow the conditions of your permission to stay and that you leave the UK when your leave runs out.


See Working and conditions for more information about the conditions of your stay.

back to top

Terms explained

  • European Economic Area

    The European Economic Area (EEA) consists of Austria, Belgium, Bulgaria, Cyprus, the Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, the Republic of Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden and the UK. Although Iceland, Liechtenstein and Norway are not members of the European Union (EU), their citizens have the same rights as EU citizens to enter, live in and work in the UK.

  • Resident labour market test

    This is the process an employer must follow before employing a person who is not a permanent resident of the United Kingdom if he/she is first required to show that no resident worker could be found to take a job.

All glossary terms